Laying out and cutting

Once the CAD shop drawings are finalized and the timber has seasoned (air died for up to 12 weeks) the actual laying out and cutting of the timbers starts in the workshop.  Generally the timber joints are roughed out with power tools and then finished off with hand tools.  The different types of connection system have different proportions of power tool to hand tool use.

All timbers are pre-assembled in the workshop and test-fitted to ensure a tight fit. The timber bent below was test-fitted in the shop prior to be re-assembled on site. The timbers are then disassembled, sanded/planed and then given one coat of wood sealer.